ABSTRACT
Sickle cell disease is an autosomal recessive disorder of the beta-globin gene, with resultant deformation of the red blood cells and variable clinical outcomes. Nigeria is recognised as the country with the highest burden of sickle cell disease globally. This study aimed at critically reviewing available literature on impact of sickle cell disease in Nigeria. A literature search was carried out on four databases, and a total of 116 articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in the critical review. It was observed that majority of the studies were carried out in South-Western part of Nigeria (47.4%), whilst the North-East had the least number of studies undertaken in this area, more than a quarter of the studies (27.6%) were related to hematologic and serologic screening. Major themes that emerged from this review were morbidity and mortality; prevalence of sickle cell disease; issues relating to blood transfusion; psychosocial impact; and anatomical dysfunction in sickle cell disease. Intervention programs from both government and non-governmental organizations aimed at reducing the burden of sickle cell disease and its socio-economic impact were identified as key to strategies aimed at overcoming challenges associated with the disease. Findings from this study also revealed that education and awareness interventions were central to reducing the prevalence of sickle cell disease in this setting.
ABSTRACT
Sickle cell disease is caused by an abnormality of the ß-globin gene and is characterised by sickling of the red blood cells. Globally, sub-Saharan African countries share the highest burden of the disease. This study aimed at critically reviewing studies focusing on challenges of sickle cell anaemia in sub-Saharan Africa. A literature search was carried out in five major databases. Articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in the bibliometric review and critical analysis. A majority of the studies were undertaken in the West African region (85.5%), followed by Central Africa (9.1%). Very few studies had been undertaken in East Africa (3.6%), whilst the Southern African region had the fewest studies (1.8%). Distribution in relation to country revealed that three quarters of the studies were carried out in Nigeria (74.5%), followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (9.1%). According to healthcare settings, a strong majority of the studies were undertaken in tertiary health care facilities (92.7%). Major themes that emerged from the review include interventions, cost of treatment, and knowledge about sickle cell disease. Public health awareness and promotion as well as improving the quality of sickle cell centers for prompt management of patients with sickle cell disorder was identified as a critical strategy towards reducing the burden of the disease in sub-Saharan Africa. To achieve this, governments in countries located in this region need to adopt a proactive strategy in addressing gaps that have been identified in this study, as well as instituting other relevant measures, such as continuous media engagement and public health interventions relating to genetic counselling. Reforms in other areas that can help reduce the disease burden, include training of practitioners and equipping sickle cell disease treatment centers according to World Health Organization specifications.
ABSTRACT
Background: Despite the efforts to encourage the intake of nutritional supplements during antenatal periods, there are still many cases of anemia and protein-energy malnutrition during pregnancy. Hence, this study determined the incidence of anemia, protein-energy malnutrition, and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Abuja, Nigeria. Materials and methods: This hospital-based, case-control study involved randomly selected 176 pregnant and non-pregnant women attending the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, Nigeria. Hemoglobin and hematocrit measurements were used to determine anemia incidence, while plasma protein, zinc levels and body mass index (BMI) were used to determine energy index status. Complete blood counts were analyzed using 5 parts-automatic hemo-analyzer, while plasma protein and zinc were analyzed using calorimetric method. Anemia and protein-energy malnutrition were defined using the World Health Organization (WHO) cut-off values. Results: The mean age of participants was 28.75 ± 5.22 years. Out of 176 participants, 7 (4%) were malnourished while 25% of the participants were anemic. Anemia was significantly associated with participants' occupation (p = 0.002), parity (p<0.001) and gestational age (p<0.001). Most hematological indices, plasma globulin, albumin, protein, and zinc levels were significantly different (p<0.001) among non-pregnant and pregnant women of the first, second and third trimesters. Conclusion: The incidence of anemia and malnutrition was high among study participants. There is a need for improved nutritional intervention, increased awareness and strengthening of health systems in the area of maternal health in Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Sickle cell disease is a genetic autosomal blood disorder that causes red blood cells to turn rigid and crescent shaped. The condition ultimately results to several complications leading to organ damage. This study aimed at assessing attitudes and practices of unmarried adults towards sickle cell disease. METHODS: A cross sectional study was undertaken in the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were undertaken. RESULTS: Male and female participants were of a similar proportion as represented by 52% and 48%. The overall mean score for attitude towards sickle disease was 6.60 ± 2.583 (range; 0-11). A higher attitude score was observed among female participants (p = 0.012), older participants reported a better attitude towards sickle cell disease (p < 0.001), and level of education also influenced perception towards the disease (p < 0.001). Three-quarters of the participants (73.4%) supported the need for contextual legislation to prohibit marriage between two sickle cell carriers. More than one-tenth of the sample (14.4%) indicated that they would marry someone with sickle cell disease irrespective of their own genotype. Whilst two-thirds of the study participants (67.1%) indicated that they would prioritise sickle cell screening in their relationships, a third of them (33.3%) expressed a contrary standpoint. CONCLUSION: Findings emanating from this research can guide Government and other critical Stakeholders in developing contextual policies and practices that will reduce the burden of sickle cell disorder.
Subject(s)
Anemia, Sickle Cell , Single Person , Adult , Anemia, Sickle Cell/genetics , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Male , NigeriaABSTRACT
Several months after the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), cases of re-infection after recovery were reported. The extent and duration of protective immunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection is not fully understood. As such, the possibility of re-infection with SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, cases of re-infection were mainly due to different variants or mutant SARS-CoV-2. Following the fast and pandemic-scale spread of COVID-19, mutations in SARS-CoV-2 have raised new diagnostic challenges which include the redesign of the oligonucleotide sequences used in RT-PCR assays to avoid potential primer-sample mismatches, and decrease sensitivities. Since the initial wave of the pandemic, some regions had experienced fresh outbreaks, predisposing people to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 re-infection. Hence, this article sought to offer detailed biology of SARS-CoV-2 re-infections and their implications on immune response milieu, diagnostic laboratory tests and control measures against COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
The incidence and case-fatality rates (CFRs) of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the etiological agent for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), have been rising unabated. Even though the entire world has been implementing infection prevention and control measures, the pandemic continues to spread. It has been widely accepted that preventive vaccination strategies are the public health measures for countering this pandemic. This study critically reviews the latest scientific advancement in genomics, replication pattern, pathogenesis, and immunopathology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and how these concepts could be used in the development of vaccines. We also offer a detailed discussion on the anticipated potency, efficacy, safety, and pharmaco-economic issues that are and will be associated with candidate COVID-19 vaccines.
